Marine propulsion reversing mechanism

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein is a marine propulsion device comprising a vertically tiltable and horizontally swingable drive shaft housing supporting a drive shaft carrying a bevel gear in mesh with two facing co-axially mounted bevel gears located in encircling relation to a propeller carrying shaft, together with a system for selectively drivingly connecting the bevel gears and the propeller shaft including a plurality of elongated rollers having axes extending parallel to the rotational axis of the propeller shaft and movable relative to positions of driving engagement between the bevel gears and the propeller shaft, and an actuator for selectively displacing the rollers relative to the driving positions.

United States Patent 1 Shimanckas [541 MARINE PROPULSION REVERSINGMECHANISM [75] Inventor: William J. Shimanckas, Waukegan.

[73] Assignee: Outboard Marine Corporation,

Waukegan. Ill.

[22] Filed: Oct. 12, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 406,014

Related U.S. Application Data [62] Division of Ser. No. 132.401. April8. 1971. Pat. No.

[52] U.S. Cl. 115/34 R; 192/44 [51] Int. Cl. B63h 5/12 [58] Field ofSearch 115/34 R. 41 R; 192/21, 192/38, 44, 45, 48.91, 48.92, 51

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1.844.386 2/1932 Harris eta1 74/378 2.051.386 8/1936 Murray .2.194.787 3/1940 Dunn 1. 192/44PIIIIIIIIL we I [4 1 May 13, 1975 2.401.524 6/1946 Townsend 192/48913.476.226 1l/1969 Massey 192/38 3.489.120 l/1970 Strang 115/41 R [57]ABSTRACT Disclosed herein is a marine propulsion device comprising avertically tiltable and horizontally swingable drive shaft housingsupporting a drive shaft carrying a bevel gear in mesh with two facingco-axially mounted bevel gears located in encircling relation to apropeller carrying shaft. together with a system for selectivelydrivingly connecting the bevel gears and the propeller shaft including aplurality of elongated rollers having axes extending parallel to therotational axis of the propeller shaft and movable relative to positionsof driving engagement between the bevel gears and the propeller shaft,and an actuator for selectively displacing the rollers relative to thedriving positions.

2 Claims, 21 Drawing Figures PATENTED 3.882.814

SHEEY 10F 4 um W W PATENTED HAY I 31975 3, 2, 14

SHEEI BF 4 MARINE PROPULSION REVERSING MECHANISM This is a division ofapplication Ser. No. 132,401. filed Apr. 8, 1971, now U.S. Pat. No.3,818,855.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Outboard motors and other marine propulsiondevices have commonly included reversing transmissions which connect theoutput shaft of an engine to a propeller shaft in order to affordneutral, forward drive and rearward drive operation. Previousarrangements have included mechanical and hydraulic dog clutches, aswell as electrically operated clutches. Such prior constructions havegenerally been expensive to build, bulky, or subject to high impactloading which cannot be routinely absorbed by the reversing mechanismwithout undue wear either on the engageable parts or on the gearing inthe associated drive train.

Examples of prior marine propulsion reversing transmissions aredisclosed in the following United States patents and patentapplications:

Shimanckas U.S. Pat. No. 3,216,392 issued Nov. 9, 1965 Shimanckas U.S.Pat. No. 3,362,375 issued Jan. 9, 1968 Yourich U.S. Pat. No. 3,386,546issued June 4, 1968 Shimanckas U.S. Pat. No. 3,447,504 issued June 3,1969 Blanchard U.S. Pat. No. 3,455,420 issued July 15, 1969 ShimanckasU.S. Pat. No. 3,467,051 issued Sept. 16, 1969 Strang U.S. Pat. No.3,489,120 issued Jan. 13,

Shimanckas Ser. No. 809,465 filed Mar. 10, 1969 Shimanckas Ser. No.811,829 filed Apr. 1, 1969 Shimanckas Ser. No. 844,457 filed July 24,1969 SUMMARY OF INVENTION The invention provides a new and improvedmarine propulsion device, such as an outboard motor or stern drive unit,including a reversing transmission having one or more sets of rollersarranged with their axes in parallel relation to a rotatably mounteddriven member, located in a retainer, and movable in response toretainer movement to and from positions affording neutral, forwarddrive, and rearward drive operation.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the retainer iscaused to move angularly to and from drive position, withoutexperiencing axial movement, in response to axial movement of anactuating rod which has common rotary movement with the retainer. Suchaxial movement of the actuating rod is effective to releasably connectthe retainer to a driving member to rotatably drive the retainer to aposition effecting driving engagement of the rollers between the drivingmember and the driven member. Retainer movement from the drive positionand consequent discontinuance of the common rotary movement of theretainer with the driving and driven member is afforded, in response toaxial movement of the actuating rod, to a location spaced from the driveposition, by engagement of the actuating rod with a brake which yieldably restrains rotation of the actuating rod and thereby serves todiscontinue rotary movement of the actuating rod and the retainer withthe driven member, whereby to discontinue the driving engagement of therollers with the driven member.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the rollerretainer is both axially, as well as angularly movable. Moreparticularly, angular movement to and from drive position occurs inresponse to retainer axial movement. Such angular movement of theretainer to the drive position is afforded by releasably connecting theretainer to the driving member in response to axial retainer movement.Angular retainer movement relative to the driven member from the driveposition (when the retainer and driving member have common rotation) todiscontinue driving engagement is afforded in response to axial movementof the retainer and by interaction of a part on the retainer with a parton the driven member or by interaction of a part on the retainer with ayieldably mounted part on the supporting housing.

In accordance with still another embodiment of the invention, there isprovided in a marine propulsion device a reversing transmission whichselectively connects a driving power shaft to each of a pair of drivenbevel gears which, when drivingly connected, rotate in a commondirection and which, in turn, are drivingly connected to a propellercarrying shaft. The reversing transmission includes a separate series ofrollers for each driven bevel gear and separate roller retainers whichare movable in common axially of the power shaft and angularlyindependently of each other to positions affording selective drivingengagement of the associated rollers between the driving power shaft andthe applicable driven bevel gear. In addition, there is provided anactuator which is coupled to the power shaft for common rotary movementwith the power shaft and for movement axially of the driving shaft incommon with both retainers which, as indicated, are independentlyrotatably movable relative to the actuator. Still further, meansselectively operable in response to axial actuator movement are providedon each of the retainers for engagement with the associated driven bevelgear to afford retainer rotation with the applicable driven bevel gearinto a position locating the applicable rollers for driving engagementbetween the power shaft and the applicable driven bevel gear. Stillfurther, the retainers and the driving power shaft are connected bymeans which, in response to axial movement of the actuator in thedirection opposite to the movement which effected respective engagementof the retainers with the gears, is selectively operable to rotate therespective retainers to disengage the retainers from the respectivedriven bevel gears and to displace the rollers from their positions ofdriving engagement.

The marine propulsion reversing transmission of the invention can behoused in the lower gear case portion of a tiltable and steerable driveshaft housing or lower unit or, alternatively, can be incorporatedbetween the engine output shaft and the lower unit drive shaft. Otherlocations are also possible.

The principal object of the invention is the provision of a marinepropulsion device including an improved reversing transmission.

Another principal object of the invention is the provision of a marinepropulsion device reversing transmission for delivering power from adriving or power shaft selectively through two bevel gears to a drivenpropeller carrying shaft.

Another principal object of the invention is the provision of a marinepropulsion device including a reversing transmission embodying a seriesof rollers which are contained in a retainer and which are movable, inresponse to retainer movement, relative to a position of drivingengagement between a driving member and a driven member.

Another of the principal objects of the invention is the provision of amarine propulsion device as referred to in the previous paragraph inwhich the retainer is releasably connectable to the driving member toeffect displacement of the retainer to the drive position.

Another of the principal objects of the invention is the provision of amarine propulsion device as referred to in the preceding two paragraphsin which retainer movement from a position of driving engagement isafforded by engagement of the retainer, or a part having common rotarymotion therewith, with a yieldable brake mechanism operative todiscontinue common rotation of the retainer with the driven member.

Still another principal object of the invention is the provision of amarine propulsion device having a reversing transmission as generallyindicated above and in which the retainer is moved from the driveposition in response to axial retainer movement and interaction betweenthe retainer and the driven member or supporting housing.

Another principal object of the invention is the provision of a marinepropulsion device having a reversing transmission which is capable oftransmitting high forces and of being shifted at relatively high rotaryspeeds and which, nevertheless, is less subject to wear and damage thanprevious transmissions, while, at the same time, is relatively compactand economical to manufacture, and which will additionally providereliable service over a long and useful life.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become known byreference to the following description and accompanying drawings.

DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevational view, partially in section, of amarine propulsion device which embodies various of the features of theinvention.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 22 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary side elevational view, partially in section, ofanother marine propulsion device embodying various of the features ofthe invention.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view of still another embodiment of amarine propulsion device including various of the features of theinvention.

FIG. 9 is a partially schematic view of a portion of the structure shownin FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary side elevational view, partially in section,and with parts omitted, of another embodiment of a marine propulsiondevice which embodies various of the features of the invention.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged sectional view taken generally along line 11-11of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged sectional view taken generally along line 12-12of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary view taken generally along line 13-13of FIG. 12 and illustrating the spring connection between the rollersand the retainer embodied in the construction shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view taken generally along line 14-14 of FIG. 10.

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary sectional view of still another embodiment of amarine propulsion device including various of the features of theinvention.

FIG. 16 is a schematic view of a portion of the structure shown in FIG.15 with the components being shown in the neutral drive position.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken along line 17-17 of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a view similar to FIG. 16 showing the components in theforward drive position.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a view similar to FIGS. 16 and 18 showing the components inthe rearward drive position.

FIG. 21 is a sectional view taken along line 21-21 of FIG. 20.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION Shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings is the lower unit ofa marine propulsion device 11, such as an outboard motor or stern driveunit. As is conventional, the lower unit includes a drive shaft housing13 which can be mounted on a boat by suitable conventional means (notshown) for vertical swinging movement about a horizontal axis, as wellas for horizontal swinging movement about a vertical axis for steeringpurposes. The drive shaft housing 13 conventionally includes a rotatablymounted propeller shaft 15 carrying a propeller 17, as well as a driveshaft 19 which extends at a substantial angle to the propeller shaft 15and which, at the end adjacent to the propeller shaft 15, carries abevel gear 21 in mesh with spaced forward and rearward drive members ordriving bevel gears 23 and 25 which are carried for rotation by radialand thrust bearings 27 and 29 respectively mounted in the drive shafthousing 13. The bevel gears 23 and 25 include respective axial bores 31and 33 which respectively include forward and rearward portions 35 and37 which journal the propeller shaft for co-axial and independentrotation relative to the bevel gears.

In accordance with the invention, means are provided for forming acavity 38 for purposes still to be described and for preventing relativeaxial movement between the propeller shaft 15 and the bevel gears 23 and25. In this regard, the bevel gears 23 and 25 respectively includefacing counterbores 39 and 41 having respective radial shoulders 43 and45 and internal cylindrical surfaces 47 and 49 and the propeller shaft15 includes an enlarged portion 51 having radial shoulders 53 and 55located in facing relation to the radial shoulders 43 and 45 within thecounterbores 31 and 33 so as to retain the propeller shaft 15 againstradial movement relative to the bevel gears 23 and 25.

In accordance with the invention, a reversing transmission or clutchmeans 61 is provided for selectively connecting either one of thedriving bevel gears 23 and 25 to the propeller shaft 15 to provideforward and reverse drive conditions, as well as for disconnecting thedriving bevel gears 23 and 25 from the propeller shaft to afford aneutral condition, notwithstanding con tinued rotation of the drivingbevel gears 23 and 25.

Also in accordance with the invention, the clutch means includes a setof one or more rollers 63 extending in parallel axial relation with thepropeller shaft 15 and in association with the forward drive bevel gear23 and another set of one or more rollers 65 extending in parallel axialrelation with the propeller shaft 15 and in association with therearward drive bevel gear 25. Although other arrangements could beemployed, in the disclosed construction (See FIGS. 2 and 3), each rollerset comprises four rollers which are equiangularly spaced with therollers 63 in the forward set being slightly angularly displaced fromthe rollers 65 in the rearward set.

Further in accordance with the invention, the rollers 63 and 65 in bothof the axially spaced sets are located in a retainer 69 comprising agenerally cylindrical member which is housed in the cavity 38 betweenthe propeller shaft 15 and the bevel gears 23 and and which includes aplurality of forward and rearward sockets '71 and 73 arranged to locatethe forward and rearward rollers 63 and 65 in the manner just described.In operation, the retainer 69 is selectively movable between forward,neutral, and reverse positions to locate both forward and rearwardrollers 63 and 65 free of driving engagement with the propeller shaft 15(neutral), to locate the forward drive rollers 63 in driving engagementbetween the propeller shaft 15 and the cylindrical surface 47 of theforward drive bevel gear 23 to thereby provide the forward drivecondition, and to locate the rearward drive rollers 65 in drivingengagement between the propeller shaft 15 and the cylindrical surface 19of the rearward drive bevel gear 25 to thereby provide the rearwarddrive condition.

Also in accordance with the invention, the enlarged portion 51 of thepropeller shaft 15 is provided with forward and rearward circumferentialseries of flats 75 and 77 which are axially spaced in accordance withthe axial spacing of the rollers 63 and 65 in the retainer 61 and whichare respectively associated with the forward and rearward drive rollers63 and 65. The flat series individually include the same number of flatsand there are rollers in each set, i.e., in the disclosed construction,each series includes four flats equiangularly spaced circumferentiallyof the propeller shaft in accordance with the angular spacing of therollers 63 and 65 in the associated set. Also in accordance with theinvention, the forward flats 75 are angularly aligned with the rearwardflats 77.

In operation, when the retainer 69 is in the neutral position, theforward rollers 63 are located near the center of the forward flats 75,and the rearward rollers 65 are also located near the center of therearward flats 77. However, it should be noted that the rearward rollers65 (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) are located slightly to the left ascompared to the forward rollers 63. Angular displacement of the retainer69 in the clockwise di rection as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, causes theforward rollers 63 to be drivingly engaged or wedged between thecylindrical surface 47 of the forward drive bevel gear 23 and theaxially extending edge portions 80 of the forward propeller shaft flats75. The rearward drive rollers 65 are similarly displaced in theclockwise direction but, because the rollers 65 are angularly located tothe left of the forward drive rollers 63, the rearward drive rollers 65remain free of driving engagement with the rearward propeller shaftflats 77.

When the retainer 69 is moved from the neutral position to the rearwarddrive position, the retainer 69 is moved in the counterclockwisedirection as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and causes the rearward driverollers 65 to be drivingly engaged or wedged between the cylindricalsurface 49 of the rearward drive bevel gear 25 and the axially extendingedge portions 82 of the rear ward propeller shaft flats 77. The forwarddrive rollers 63 are similarly displaced in the counterclockwisedirection but, because the forward drive rollers 63 are angularlylocated to the right of the rearward drive rollers 65, the forward driverollers 63 remain free of driving engagement with the forward propellershaft flats 75.

While in the disclosed construction, the forward and rearward flats and77 have been disclosed as being in registry or alignment with eachother, and the forward and rearward rollers 63 and 65 have beendisclosed as being slightly angularly offset with respect to each otherto afford the above described operation, other arrangements arepossible. For instance, the forward and rearward rollers 63 and 65 couldbe aligned with one another and the forward and rearward flats 75 and 77could be angularly offset with respect to one another. Additionally, thesets of rollers, as well as the se ries of flats could both be angularlyoffset with respect to each other. Still further, the flats 75 and 77need not be flat. If desired, the flats could be either arcuatelycrowned or angularly crowned, i.e., could present, in cross section, aslightly convex surface or a slightly wedge-shaped surface.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, means are provided for preventingaxial movement of the roller retainer 69 relative to the propeller shaftand to the driving bevel gears 23 and 25, and to the drive shaft housing13. While other constructions can be employed, in the construction shownin FIG. 1, the location of the retainer 69 in the cavity 38 between thepropeller shaft 15 and the bevel gears 23 and 25, and consequentinterference between the retainer ends and the radial shoulders 43 and45 of the bevel gears prevents material axial movement of the retainer69, as well as the associated rollers 63 and 65, relative to thepropeller shaft 15, to the bevel gears 23 and 25, and to the drive shafthousing.

Also in accordance with the invention, means are provided for movablydisplacing the retainer 69 relative to the propeller shaft 15 to locatethe rollers 63 and 65 in their neutral, forward drive and rearward drivepositions. While various arrangements can be employed, in the embodimentshown in FIG. 1, means are provided for selectively moving the retainer69 from a neutral position toward forward or rearward drive positions.Additional means are provided for selectively moving the retainer 69from the forward and rearward drive positions to the neutral position.At least in part, some common components are employed in connection withretainer movement relative to the neutral, forward drive, and rearwarddrive positions.

While other arrangements can be employed, in the disclosed construction,the means for selectively moving the retainer 69 from the neutralposition to either of the forward and rearward drive positions operatesto selectively angularly displace or rotate the retainer 69 by employingthe continuously occurring rotary movement of the driving bevel gears 23and 25. Such means includes an elonaged axially extending slot 85 (SeeFIG. 4) in the retainer 69 between the forward and rearward rollersockets 71 and 73, together with an arm 87 which extends through theslot 85 and is fixed at its inner end to an axially extending actuatingrod 89 reciprocable in a forwardly open axial bore 91 in the propellershaft 15. Adjacent its forward end, the actuating rod 89 includes meansaffording axial displacement of the actuating rod while also permittingrotation of the actuating rod independently of axial displacement. Whileother arrangements can be employed, in the disclosed construction, anannular groove or recess 95 is provided at the forward end of theactuating rod exteriorly of the propeller shaft 15, which groove 95receives arms or legs 97 of a pawl or yoke 99 which can be rocked orotherwise actuated to cause the actuating rod 89 to move axially betweenforward, neutral, and reverse positions while simultaneously affordingrotary movement of the actuating rod 89 relative to the yoke 99.

When the actuating rod 89 is moved from the neutral position shown inFIG. 1 to the forward drive position, the arm 87 slides in the retainerslot 85 until the outer extremity of the arm 87 engages a lug 101 on theadjacent face of the rotating forward drive bevel gear 23. Suchengagement causes the arm 87 to rotate in the direction of rotation ofthe forward drive bevel gear 23 and, because of engagement of the arm 87in the retainer slot 85, to cause rotative movement of the retainer 69in common with the arm 87 and the driving bevel gear 23. After arelatively small amount of angular travel, the retainer 69 is displacedto the forward drive position and the forward drive rollers 63 aredrivingly engaged or wedged between the cylindrical surfaces 47 of theforward drive bevel gear 23, and the forward propeller shaft flats 75.

It is noted that the propulsive loading is not transmitted, i.e., thepropeller shaft 15 is not rotated, until the forward drive rollers 63are wedged with the propeller shaft 15. Angular displacement of theretainer 69 by the driving bevel gear 23 through the arm 87 does nottherefor involve heavy loading on either the arm 87 or the lug 101.Furthermore, driving engagement of the rollers 63 occurs after only aslight amount of angular movement of the retainer 69, and although thearm 87 remains in engagement with the lug 101 during forward driveconditions, the propulsive load is carried through the rollers 63.

When the actuating rod 89 is moved from neutral to the reverse position,the arm 87 engages a lug 103 on the rearward drive gear 25 to bringabout driving engagement or wedging of the rearward drive rollers 65with the rearward propeller shaft flats 77 to afford propulsion loadtransmission in the same manner as just described with respect toforward drive operation.

When the actuating rod 89 is moved either from the forward drive orrearward drive position to the neutral position, the arm 87 will bedisengaged from the applicable one of the lugs and 103 but the drivingengagement from one of the bevel gears 23 and 25 through one of theroller sets to the propeller shaft will be undisturbed by such axialactuator movement. Accordingly, other means are provided for selectivelymoving the retainer 69 relative to the propeller shaft 15 in response tomovement of the actuating rod 89 from either of the drive positions toneutral.

While other constructions can be employed, in the construction shown inFIG. 1, the means for selectively moving the retainer 69 in response tomovement of the actuating rod 89 from either drive position to neutraloperates to selectively angularly displace or rotate the retainer 69.Such means includes (See also FIG. 5) a rotary brake 107 located insurrounding relation to a portion of the actuating rod 89 extending fromthe propeller shaft 15 and operable, when the actuating rod 89 is movedto neutral position, to prevent continued rotation of the actuating rod89 and thereby to also prevent continued rotation of the retainer 69 incommon with the propeller shaft 15, i.e., to rotate the retainer 69relative to the propeller shaft 15 to the retainer neutral position,thereby disconnecting the driving engagement of the rollers 63 and 65between the bevel gears 23 and 25 and the propeller shaft 15.

While various arrangements could be employed, in the disclosedconstruction, the rotary brake 107 includes a member 109 fixed to thedrive shaft housing 13 and including a series of axially spaced radiallyinwardly extending friction plates 111 interleaved between anotherseries of friction plates 113 extending from an inner hub 115 having alug or projection 117 located in the path ofa radially extendingprojection or pin 119 extending from the actuating rod 89. The axialextent of the projection 117 and the pin 119 are such that when theactuating rod 89 is in the forward or rearward drive positions, theprojection 117 and pin 119 are axially spaced. However, when theactuating rod 89 is moved to the neutral position, the pin 119 engagesthe projection 117 to cause discontinuation of the common rotarymovement of the actuating rod 89 with the propeller shaft 15 and therebyto move the retainer 69 to the neutral position. In operation, thefriction plates 111 and 113 lessen the shock caused by engagement of theprojection 117 and the pin 119 while, at the same time, effectivelydiscontinue rotary movement of the actuating rod 89 with the propellershaft 15.

Shown in FIG. 6 is another marine propulsion reve rsing transmission 261located in a drive shaft housing 213 which is conventionally mounted fortilting movement about a horizontal axis and for steering movement aboutan axis perpendicular to the tilting axis. The reversing transmission261 is operable to selectively connect a drive shaft 219 to a propellershaft 215 in either of neutral, forward drive, or reverse driveconditions. As in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the drive shaft ofFIG. 6 carries at its lower end, a bevel gear 221 which issimultaneously in mesh with a pair of co-axially mounted driving bevelgears 223 and 225 journaled by radial bearings 227 and thrust bearings229.

The bevel gears 223 and 225 respectively include cylindrical axial bores231 and 233 which receives the propeller shaft 215, together with agenerally cylindrical retainer 269 having a plurality of forwardly andrearwardly spaced pockets or sockets 271 and 273 respectively containinga forward set of drive rollers 263 and a rearward set of drive rollers265. Provided on the propeller shaft 215 in respective association withthe forward and rearward drive rollers 263 and 265 are spaced forwardand rearward series of flats 275 and 277. The rollers 263 and 265 andthe flats 275 and 277 are constructed generally in the same manner asthe corresponding components of the FIG. 1 construction.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the mounting of the retainer 269between the propeller shaft 215 and the driving bevel gears 223 and 225affords both rotative and axial movement of the retainer 269 relative tothe propeller shaft 215 and to the driving bevel gears 223 and 225. Asdisclosed in FIG. 6, axial movement of the retainer 269 is employed toeffect rotative movement so as to shift the transmission 261 betweenneutral, forward drive, and rearward drive conditions.

More specifically, at its forward end, i.e., the left end in FIG. 6, theretainer 269 extends beyond the forward end of the propeller shaft 215and includes means affording axial shifting of the retainer,notwithstanding rotary movement thereof at propeller shaft speeds,Various arrangements can be employed. For instance, the arrangementsdisclosed in FIG. 1 between the yoke 99 and the actuating rod 89 can beused. In the construction disclosed in FIG. 6, the forward end of theretainer 269 is provided with a bore 323 which rotatably receives anactuating rod 289. Means in the form of washers 324, bearings 327 and Cclamps 329 are provided to prevent axial movement of the actuating rod289 relative to the retainer 269, while affording relative rotarymovement therebetween. In turn, the actuating rod 289 can be coupled toany suitable mechanical linkage or other means for axial displacement ofthe actuating rod 289 between neutral, forward drive, and rearward drivepositions.

Means are provided for engaging the transmission 261, i.e., rotatablyshifting the retainer 269 relative to the propeller shaft 215, uponmovement of the retainer 269 from the neutral position to either of theforward or rearward drive positions. While other constructions can beemployed, in the construction disclosed in FIG. 6, such means includes aclutch sleeve or housing 331 which is assembled from two half sections333 and 335 and which is carried on the retainer 269 intermediate of theforward and rearward rollers 263 and 265, which is capable of rotationrelative to the retainer 269, and which includes, at each end, at leastone dog 337 extending for engagement with lugs 339 respectively projecting from the opposed faces of the adjacent driving bevel gear 223and 225. Accordingly, axial shifting of the clutch housing 331 towardeither the forward or rearward driving bevel gears 223 and 225 willrotatably couple the housing 331 to the associated bevel gear 223 or225.

Means are provided to afford common axial movement of the housing 331with the roller retainer 269 while permitting relative rotationtherebetween. While other constructions can be employed, in theconstruction disclosed in FIG. 6, the retainer 269 includes a centralportion 341 which is located between the rollers 263 and 265 and whichconstitutes a radially enlarged hub received in a cylindrical cavity 343defined by the housing 331, whereby the housing 331 and the retainer 269have substantially common axial movement.

In order to provide for rotation of the roller retainer 269 when thehousing 331 is engaged with one of the drive bevel gears 223 and 225,notwithstanding continued capability of relative rotation between thehousing 331 and the roller retainer 269, means are provided forrestraining rotation between the sleeve or housing 331 and the retainer269. While various arrangements can be employed, in the disclosedconstruction, such means includes a pair of rings 345 of frictionmaterial, which rings 345 are respectively located in the housing cavity343 between each of the radial shoulders 347 at the ends of the enlargedradial hub 341 and the adjacent radial walls of the housing 331.

In operation, axial movement of the roller retainer 269 from neutralwill effect common axial movement of the housing 331 until engagementwith one of the drive bevel gears 223 and 225, thereby causing thehousing 331 to be rotationally driven by the engaged bevel gear. Suchhousing rotation is transmitted through one of the clutch rings 345 tothereby rotatably drive the retainer 269 and to thereby shift therollers 263 or 265 into driving engagement between the propeller shaft215 and the driving bevel gear 223 or 225 engaged by the housing 331.

Means are also provided for discontinuing engagement of the rollers 263or 265 between the propeller shaft 215 and the applicable driving bevelbear 223 or 265 when the retainer 269 is axially shifted from either ofthe forward or rearward drive positions toward the neutral position.While other constructions can be employed, in the construction disclosedin FIG. 6, such means includes a cam slot 349 machined or otherwiseprovided on the enlarged central portion or hub 341 of the retainer 269,together with a drive pin 351 which extends fixedly and radially fromthe propeller shaft 215 and into the cam slot 349.

As shown, the cam slot 349 is axially elongated having a central axialportion 353 and, at each of the ends thereof, opposed oppositelyextending triangular shaped wing portions 355 and 357 having diagonaledges 359 and 361. As a consequence, whenever the roller retainer 269 isshifted from neutral to either forward or reverse condition, the pin 351moves in the central axially extending portion 353 until engagement ofthe housing 331 with one of the driving bevel gears 223 or 225 causesrotation of the retainer 269 relative to the propeller shaft 215,whereupon the pin 351 moves circumferentially of the retainer 269 untilthe pin 351 is located in the outermost part of the applicable wingportion 355 or 357 when the rollers 263 or 265 are drivingly engagedbetween the propeller shaft 215 and the applicable driving bevel gear223 or 225.

When the retainer 269 is subsequently axially displaced from either ofthe drive positions to the neutral position, the pin 315 engages thediagonal edge 359 or 361 of the applicable wing portion 355 or 357 tocause the retainer 269 to rotate toward the neutral position as theretainer 269 moves axially toward the neutral position, therebydiscontinuing the driving engagement of the applicable rollers 263 or265 between the propeller shaft 215 and the applicable driving bevelgear 223 or In the FIG. 6 embodiment, it is noted that the rollerretainer 269 moves axially relative to the propeller shaft 215.Accordingly, provision is made to prevent axial movement between eitherthe retainer 269 and the rollers 263 and 265 or between the rollers 263and 265 and the propeller shaft 215. In the specifically disclosedconstruction, the rollers 263 and 265 do not substantially move axiallyrelative to the propeller shaft 215. However, the roller receivingpockets 271 and 273 of the retainer 269 are axially elongated to affordrelative axial movement between the rollers 263 and 265 and the retainer269 during axial retainer movement.

Means can also be provided to limit movement of the propeller shaft 215relative to the housing. Thus. in the disclosed construction, means wellknown in the art can be provided to limit propeller shaft movement relative to the housing. However, if it is desired to obtain the featuresdisclosed in the Shimanckas US. Pat. No. 3,467,051, issued Sept. 16,1969, the propeller shaft can be permitted to move axially as generallydisclosed in the Shimanckas US. Pat. No. 3.467.051.

Shown in FIG; 8 is still another marine propulsion reversingtransmission 461 which is located in a drive shaft housing 413 and whichis operable to selectively drive a propeller shaft 415 in eitherneutral. forward drive, or reverse drive, from a drive shaft 419 whichis rotated by suitable means. such as for instance. an engine (notshown). The propeller shaft 415 is mounted for rotation axially spacedcombined thrust and radial bearings 467 and 469 supported by the driveshaft housing 413, and is secured against axial displacement relative tothe housing 413 by means including a shoulding 462 engaged against onerace of the combined thrust and radial bearing 467 and a collar 466engaged against one race of the other combined radial and thrust bearing469.

Carried by combined radial and thrust bearings 427 and 429 supported inthe housing 413 are a pair of axially spaced bevel gears 423 and 425which respectively include axial bores 431 and 433 which receive thepropeller shaft 415.

Located between the propeller shaft 415 and the driven bevel gears 423and 425 is a generally cylindrical roller retainer 469 having twoaxially spaced series of pockets 471 and 473 which respectively containforward drive rollers 463 and rearward drive rollers 465.

Provided on the propeller shaft 415 in respective association with theforward and rearward drive rollers 463 and 465 are axially spacedforward drive flats 475 and rearward drive flats 477. The rollers 463and 465 are located in the retainer 469 and the flats 475 and 477 areconstructed in generally the same manner as the corresponding componentsof the FIG. 1 construction.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8. the retainer 469 is mounted betweenthe propeller shaft 415 and the bevel gears 423 and 425 so as to affordboth rotative and axial movement of the retainer 469 relative 'to thepropeller shaft 415 and to afford axial retainer movement relative tothe drive rollers 463 and 465. Also as in the embodiment disclosed inFIG. 6. axial movement of the retainer 469 is employed to effectrotative retainer movement so as to shift the transmission 461 betweenneutral, forward drive. and rearward drive condition. More specifically.at the left end. as shown in FIG. 8, between the forward drive bevelgear 423 and the propeller shaft bearing 467. the retainer 469 includesan annular groove 472 which receives the legs or arms 497 ofa pawl oryoke 499 to effect. in response to movement of the yoke 499, axialdisplacement of the retainer 469 while simultaneously affording relativerotation between the retainer 469 and the actuating yoke 499.

Located centrally between the roller pockets 471 and 473 and extendingradially from the retainer 469 is a pin 474 which normally extends. whenthe retainer 469 is in the neutral position. in spaced relation to oneor more lugs 501 and 503 extending respectively from the adjacentopposed faces of the driven bevel gears 423 and 425. Accordingly. whenthe retainer 469 is moved by the actuating yoke 499 from neutral toeither of the forward or rearward drive positions. the pin 474 engagesthe applicable lub 501 or 503 to cause rotation of the retainer 496relative to the propeller shaft 415 so as to drivingly engage one set ofrollers 463 or 465 between the propeller shaft 415 and the applicablebevel gear 423 or 425 to afford either forward or reverse drivecondition.

In order to discontinue driving engagement of the rollers 463 or 465between the propeller shaft 415 and the applicable one of the bevelgears 423 and 425 in response to movement of the retainer 469 to neutralposition. means are provided for rotating the retainer 469 relative tothe propeller shaft 415 to discontinue the drive engagement of theapplicable set of rollers 463 or 465 between the propeller shaft 415 andthe applicable bevel gear 423 or 425 in response to movement of theretainer 469 to the neutral position from either of the forward andreverse drive conditions under the influence of the operation of theacutating yoke 499. While various arrangements can be employed. in thedisclosed construction. such means includes. at the right end of theretainer 469 and as shown in FIG. 8, a radially extending pin 519 whichis located so as to interfere. when the retainer 469 is in the neutralposition. with a lug or projection 517 extending from an inner brake hubmember 515. In turn the brake member 515 engages a friction band 516carried by the drive shaft housing 413. When the retainer 469 is in theforward or reverse drive condition. the pin 519 is spaced from the lug517 so as to afford rotation of the retainer 469 with the propellershaft 415. However. when the retainer 469 is shifted from either driveposition to the neutral position. the pin 519 engages the lug 517 todiscontinue common rotation of the retainer 469 with the propeller shaft415 and to thereby break the driving engagement of the rollers betweenthe propeller shaft 415 and the applicable bevel gear 423 or 425 andpermit free relative rotation between the propeller shaft 415 and thedriving bevel gears 423 and 425.

Because the retainer 469 is movable axially relative to the propellershaft 415. the pockets 471 and 473 are elongated in the axial direction.whereby to permit relative axial movement of the retainer 469 relativeto the rollers 463 and 465 without causing relative axial movementbetween the rollers 463 and 465 and the propeller shaft 415.

From the foregoing. it is obvious that various arrangments can beemployed to cause driving engagement of the drive rollers in response toangular displacement of the roller retainer. The retainer may beangularly displaced in response to axial displacemnt of the retainer asdisclosed in the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 8 or. alternatively. theroller retainer can be angularly displaced in response to axial movementof an actuating rod as disclosed in the FIG. 1 embodiment.

Other arrangements can also be employed for causing the retainer to berotated for drivingly engaging the rollers and to cause the retainer tobe rotated to break driving engagement when shifting from forward orreverse drive to neutral.

Shown in FIG. 10 is still another marine propulsion device 511 whichembodies various of the features of the invention and which includes areversing transmission 561 adapted to afford selective drivingconnection between a drive shaft 519 and a propeller shaft 515.

As in the other embodiments. the propeller shaft 515 is mounted by meanspreventing axial movement of the propeller shaft I 5. While otherarrangements could be employed. the forward end of the propeller shaft515 includes a reduced diameter portion 552 which extends from ashoulder 554 and is journaled in a collar 556 located in the gearcaseportion of the lower unit or drive shaft housing 13. Located between thecollar 556 and the shoulder 554 is a thrust washer 558 proventing axialmovement of the propeller shaft 515 to the left as shown in FIG. 10.

Axial movement of the propeller shaft 515 in the opposite or rearwarddirection is prevented, in the construction shown in FIG. 10, by athrust washer 560 which is located between an annular flange 562 on thepropeller shaft 515 and an annular shoulder 564 on a sleeve 566 which isfixed to the gearcase portion which journals the propeller shaft 515.

As in the other embodiments, the reversing transmission 561 includes abevel gear 521 which is mounted on the lower end of the drive shaft 519and which is meshed with a pair of axially spaced facing forward andrearward bevel gears 523 and 525, respectively, which bevel gears 523and 525 are respectively journaled in the collar 556 and in the sleeve566 in the coaxial relation to the propeller shaft 515.

As is also disclosed in the other embodiments, the reversingtransmission 561 includes forward drive and rearward drive sets ofrollers 563 and 565 which are respectively contained in forward andrearward sets of pockets or sockets 571 and 573 in a cage or retainer569 and which are respectively associated with inner cylindricalsurfaces 547 and 549 provided respectively on the bevel gears 523 and525 and with axially spaced respective forward and rearward series offlats 575 and 577 formed on the propeller shaft.

In the construction shown in FIG. 10, the retainer 569 is capable oflittle, if any, axial movement relative to the propeller shaft 515 asthe retainer 569 substantially occupies the entire space between thethrust washer 558 and the flange 562 on the propeller shaft 515.

As is also in the other embodiments, means are provided for providingrelative angular movement between the retainer 569 and the propellershaft 515 so as to establish and to discontinue driving engagement ofthe rollers 563 or 565 between the propeller shaft 515 and the bevelgears 523 and 525.

In the construction disclosed in FIG. 10, the means for providingrelative angular movement between the retainer 569 and the propellershaft 515 includes provision, in the opposing faces of the bevel gears523 and 525, of respective conically shaped recesses 568 and 570,together with the provision of a housing or dog 537 which is mounted foraxially slideable movement on the relative to the retainer 569 and forcommon rotary movement with the retainer 569. In this regard, theretainer 569 is provided, between the forward and rearward sets ofpockets 571 and 573, with an axially elongated slot 572 receiving a pin574 which extends fixedly from the dog 537 and projects radiallyinwardly and through the slot 572 and into a camming recess 576 which islocated in the propeller shaft 515 and which will be later referred to.

Means are provided for angularly shifting the retainer 569 relative tothe propeller shaft 515 so as to provide driving roller engagement inresponse to axial movement of the dog 537 toward either of the bevelgears 523 and 525. In this regard, at its ends, the dog 537 includesconical surfaces 578 and 580 adapted, upon axial movement of the dog537, to engage the conical recesses 568 and 570 so as to selectivelyrotate the dog 537 in response to rotation of the engaged bevel gears523 and 525. Such dog rotation also causes rotation of the retainer 569so as to selectively drivingly engage the rollers 563 or 565 between theselected bevel gear and the propeller shaft 515.

Means are also provided for angular shifting the retainer 569 relativeto the propeller shaft 515 to discontinue driving engagement of therollers 563 or 565 in response to axial movement of the dog 537 toward acentered position intermediate the bevel gears 523 and 525. Whilevarious arrangements could be employed, in the disclosed construction,such means includes the before mentioned pin 574 which extends throughthe axial slot 572 in the retainer 569 and is received in the cammingrecess 576 which is shown best in FIG. 14.

In accordance with the invention, the camming recess 576 includes twowings 582 and 584 which extend in axially and angularly oppositedirections. More specifically, as shown best in FIG. 14, each of thewings 582 and 584 includes an axially extending wall 586 and an axiallyand angularly extending wall, i.e., a diagonal wall 588, together with atransversely extending end wall 590 connecting the axial and diagonalwalls 586 and 588. The wings 582 and 584 are arranged such that when thedog 537 travels axially toward one of the bevel gears 523 oe 525, thepin 574 travels along one of the axial walls 586 until engagement of thedog 537 with the associated bevel gear 523 or 525, which engagementinitially causes rotary movement of the dog 537 and retainer 569 to thepropeller shaft 515 with the pin 574 moving along the transverse or endwall 590 toward the outer end thereof until driving engagement isestablished between the associated bevel gear 523 or 525 and thepropeller shaft 515.

When it is desired to discontinue driving engagement, the dog 537 ismoved toward centered position between the bevel gears 523 and 525. Suchmovement of the dog 537 causes engagement of the pin 574 along thediagonal wall 588 and thereby causes rotary movement of the retainer 569relative to the propeller shaft 515 so as to cause disengagement of therollers 563 or 565 from between the engaged bevel gear 523 or 525 andthe propeller shaft 515.

The dog 537 is shifted axially by a yoke or bell crank lever 592 whichis pivotally mounted in the gearcase portion on a stud or pin 594 andwhich includes a first arm 596 having an end part received in an annulargroove 598 located in the outer surface of the dog 537 between theconical surfaces 578 and 580. The bell crank lever 592 also includes asecond leg 600 which is pivotally connected to a vertically movableactuator or link 602. Accordingly, vertical movement of the link 602causes axial movement of the dog 537 relative to the retainer 569,either to effect engagement or disengagement of the rollers 563 or 565between the bevel gears 523 or 525 and the propeller shaft 515.

In the construction shown in FIGS. 10 through 14, means are provided foryieldably urging the rollers 563 and 565 relative to the retainer 569 inthe direction which is effective to produce driving engagement, wherebyto facilitate driving engagement of all the rollers 563 and 565 betweenthe selected one of the bevel gears 523 and 525 and the propeller shaft515 and thereby to reduce unit loading and to provide long life. Whilevarious other arrangements might be used, in the construction shown bestin FIGS. 11 through 13, the roller receiving sockets or pockets 571 and573 of the retainer 569 have a width greater than the diameter of therollers 563 and 565 and there is provided, for each roller, one or morehelical springs 604 which, at one end, inlcude a hook 606 located aboutan annular recess 608 in the connected roller and which, at the otherend, include a hook 610 connected about the adjacent edge 612 of thepocket 571 or 573 which is adjacently located in the direction ofrotation of the adjacent bevel gear 523 or 525.

In order to afford space to house the helical turns of the springs 602,the retainer 569 is provided, between adjacent roller pockets 571 and573, with angularly elongated slots 614 receiving the turns of thesprings 604. As a consequence, the rollers 563 and 565 are normallybiased into engagement with the edge 616 of the respectively associatedpocket 571 or 573 located in the direction of rotation of the associatedbevel gear 523 or 525.

In operation, and assuming that reverse drive is desired, the dog 537 isshifted to the right as shown in FIG. 10 by the link 602 and intoengagement with the bevel gear 525 which is rotating in thecounterclockwise direction as shown by the arrow 618 in FIG. 12. As aconsequence, the dog 537 moves to the right through the slot 572 in theretainer 569 and to the right in the wing 584 and along the axiallyextending edge or wall 586 of the cam recess 576 in the propeller shaft515. Upon engagement of the dog 537 with the bevel gear 525 and theinitiation of rotary movement of the dog 537 with the bevel gear 525,the retainer 569 is rotated to provide driving engagement of the rollers565 between the propeller shaft 515 and the bevel gear 525. At the sametime, ie, during initial rotary movement of the dog 537, the pin 574travels along the transverse outer or end edge 590 of the cam recess 576toward the diagonal edge 588.

When it is desired to shift back to neutral, the link 602 is actuated toshift the dog 537 to the left. Such movement of the dog 537 to the lefton the propeller shaft 515 causes the pin 574 to ride along the diagonaledge 588 of the cam recess 576 in the propeller shaft 515 and thereby tocause relative angular movement between the propeller shaft 515 and theretainer 569 so as to disengage the rollers 565 from driving engagementbetween the propeller shaft 515 and the reverse bevel gear 525.

Because of the spring connections between the rollers 565 and theretainer 569, accomodation of any minor dimensional variation whichmight cause initial driving engagement of one or more rollers 565 beforeengagement of the remaining rollers, is afforded while immediatesubsequent driving engagement of the remaining rollers 565 isaccomplished in response to continued rotation of the retainer 569. Inthis regard, the springs 604 of the initially engaged rollers 565 willextend as required until all of the rollers 565 are drivingly engaged.

When the retainer 569 is shifted in the opposite direction, i.e., in theclockwise direction as seen in FIG. 12, to discontinue drivingengagement, the action of the springs 604 causes engagement of therollers 565 with the adjacent edges 616 of the retainer 569 upon initialclockwise rotation. Thereafter, continued rotary retainer movementdisplaces the rollers 565 from driving engagement.

A similar sequence of operations occurs when the dog or housing 537 ismoved relative to the forward drive bevel gear 523.

Shown in FIGS. 15 through 21 is still another marine propulsionreversing transmission 761 located in a housing 713 such as, forinstance, the housing disclosed in the Strang Patent No. 3,489,120issued January 13, 1970. The reversing transmission 761 is operable toselectively drive a driven shaft 715 in either neutral, forward drive,or reverse drive, from a driving power shaft 719 which is rotated bysuitable means, for instance, an engine (not shown), which is mountedfor rotation by axially spaced combined thrust and radial bearings 767and 769 supported by the housing 713, and which is secured against axialdisplacement relative to the housing 713 by means including a shoulder762 engaged against one race of the combined thrust and radial bearing767 and a collar 766 engaged against one race of the other combinedradial and thrust bearing 769. The driven drive shaft 715 extendsthrough a drive shaft housing and can be connected to a propellercarrying shaft in the manner shown, for instance, in the Strang U.S.Pat. No. 3,489,120 issued Jan. 13, 1970.

Carried by combined radial and thrust bearings 727 and 729 supported inthe housing 713 are a pair of axially spaced bevel gears 723 and 725which respectively include axial bores 73] and 733 which receives thedriving shaft 719.

Located between the driving shaft 719 and the driven bevel gears 723 and725 is a generally cylindrical actuator 769 having two axially forwardand rearward series of pockets 771 and 773 which respectively containforward drive rollers 763 and rearward drive rollers 765. Provided onthe driving shaft 719 in respective association with the forward andrearward drive rollers 763 and 765 are axially spaced forward driveflats 775 and rearward drive flats 777. The rollers 763 and 765 arelocated in the actuator 769 and the flats 775 and 777 are constructed ingenerally the same manner as the corresonding components of the FIG. 1construction, except that the circumferential width of the pockets 471and 473 is materially greater than the diameter of the rollers 763 and765, whereby relative circumferential movement between the actuator 769and the rollers 763 and 765 is permitted.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 through 21, the actuator 769 ismounted between the driving shaft 719 and the bevel gears 723 and 725 soas to afford axial movement of the actuator 769 relative to the drivingshaft 719 and to the drive rollers 763 and 765.

Further in this regard, means are provided for preventing rotativerelative movement between the actuator 769 and the driving shaft 719while affording relative axial movement therebetween. While otherconstructions can be employed, in the construction disclosed in FIGS. 15through 21, such means commprises (See FIGS. 16, 18, and 20) a pair ofaxially spaced forward and rearward pins 774 and 776 which extendfixedly from the driving shaft 719 and which respectively projectthrough axially spaced and elongated forward and rearward slots 778 and780 in the actuator 769.

Axial movement of the acutator 769 is employed to shift the transmission761 between neutral, forward 17 drive, and rearward drive conditions.More specifically, at the left end, as shown in FIGS. l5, 16, 18, and20, between the forward drive bevel gear 723 and the propeller shaftbearing 767, the actuator 769 includes an annular groove 772 whichreceives the legs or arms 797 of a pawl or yoke 799 to effect, inresponse to movement of the yoke 799, axial displacement of the actuator769 while simultaneously affording relative rotation between theactuator 769 and the actuating yoke 799.

Axial actuator movement relative to the driving shaft 719 is effectiveto cause shifting in cooperation with separate forward and reversecylindrical retainers or sleeves 801 and 803 (see FIGS. 15, 16, 18, and20) which are located in axially adjacent relation to each other betweenthe actuator 769 and the axial bores 731 and 733 of the bevel gears 723and 725. Means are provided for affording common axial movement of theretainers or sleeves 801 and 803 with the actuator 769, i.e., forpreventing axial movement of the retainers or sleeves 801 and 803relative to the actuator 769 while, at the same time, affording rotationof the retainers or sleeves 801 and 803 relative to the actuator 769.While other arrangements are possible, in the disclosed construction,such means includes formation, at one end of the actuator 769 (theforward or left end in FIG. 16), of a flange or shoulder 805 whichengages the adjacent end of the forward retainer or sleeve 801 and theprovision, adjacent to the rearward or right end of the reverse retaineror sleeve 803, of a snap ring or collar 807 fitted on the actuator 769.

The retainers or sleeves 801 and 803 each include respective series ofroller receiving pockets 871 and 873 which have a circumferential extentsuch that the rotation of the retainers or sleeves 801 and 803 relativeto the actuator 769 causes circumferential roller movement within thepockets 771 and 773 of the actuator 769 and circumferential rollermovement relative to the driving shaft 719 and into and from positionsof driving engagement.

Means are provided for displacing the forward drive rollers 763 intodriving engagement between the driving shaft 719 and the forward bevelgear 723. In addition to the axially displaceable actuator 769 andassociated forward retainer or sleeve 801, such means also includes astud or post 874 projecting from the forward retainer or sleeve 80] intoposition for engagement with one or more lugs 901 on the forward drivebevel gear 723 in response to axial movement of the actuator 769 fromthe neutral position shown in FIG. 16 to the forward drive positionshown in FIG. 18. Such engagement causes the retainer or sleeve 801 torotate relative to the driving shaft 719 in the direction (clockwise asshown in FIGS. 17 and 19) i.e., counter to the direction of rotation ofthe driving shaft 719 (counterclockwise as shown in FIGS. 17 and 19),due to the resistance to rotation offered by the forward drive bevelgear 723. Such rotation of the forward retainer or sleeve 801 causes theforward drive rollers 763 to be moved circumferentially through thepockets 771 of the actuator 769 and into driving engagement between thedriving shaft 719 and the forward drive bevel gear 723.

As shown in FIGS. 16, 18, and 20, the pockets 771, 77 3, 871, and 873 ofboth the actuator and of the forward and rearward drive retainers orsleeves 801 and 803 are axially elongated to affored relative movementof the actuator 769 and retainers or sleeves 801 and 803 relative to therollers 763 and 765. Axial moverollers 763 and 765 with'shoulders 950 atthe ends of the flats 775 and 777 on the driving shaft 719. I

Means are provided for displacing the forward drive rollers 763frompositions of driving engagement between theforward drive bevel gear723 and the driving shaft 719 in response to axial movement of theactuator 769 from the forward drive position shown in FIG. 18

to the neutral position shown in FIG. 16. While other constructions canbe employed, in the disclosed construction, such means comprises theprovision of a cam slot 878 in the forward retainer or sleeve 801 andthe projection of the forward pin 774 into the cam slot 878. Moreparticularly, the cam slot 878 includes an axially extending portion 880permitting movement of the forward pin 774 during shifting of theactuator 769 between neutral and reverse drive positions without causingangular movement of the forward retainer or sleeve 801 relative to theactuator 769 or to the driving shaft 719. The cam slot 878 also includesa wing-shaped portion 882 which includes, in series, an axiallyextending edge 884, a circumferentially extending edge 886, and adiagonal edge 888. The wing portion 882 extends circumferentially(relative to the axial portion) in the direction of rotation of thedriving shaft 719. Thus, when the actuator 769 is moved from the neutralto the forward drive position, the forward pin 774 moves along the edge884 of the forward retainer or sleeve 801 until the post 874 on theforward retainer or sleeve 801 engages one of the lugs 901 on theforward bevel gear 723, which engagement causes rotation of the forwardretainer or sleeve 801 relative to the actuator 769. When the forwarddrive rollers 763 reach their positions of driving engagement, theforward pin 774, is located, as shown in FIG. 18, in the outermost partof the wing portion 882. When the actuator is moved from the forwarddrive position, shown in FIG. 18, to the neutral drive position, shownin FIG. 16, the forward pin 774 engages the diagonal edge 888 to causerotation of the forward retainer or sleeve 801 in the counterclockwisedirection, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 19, and relative to the actuator 769and the driving shaft 719 so as to disengage the rollers 763 fromdriving engagement.

Similar means are provided for engaging and disen- A gaging the rearwarddrive rollers 765 betweenthe driving shaft 719 and drive bevel gear 725.In this regard, the rearward drive retainer or sleeve 803 includes apost or stud 875 which is engageable (in response to movement of theactuator 769 to the right in FIG. 16) with one or more lugs 903 on therearward drive bevel gear 725 to cause rotation of the retainer orsleeve 803 with the rearward drive bevel gear 725 and thereby causeshifting of the rearward drive rollers 765 in the clockwise direction,as shown in FIG.-21, so as to locate the rearward drive rollers 765 indriving engagement between the driving shaft 719 and the rearward drivebevel gear 725. During movement, the rearward pin 776 moves to the left,as shown in FIGS. 16 and 20, relative to the slot 780 in the actuator769 and to a slot 879 in the rearward retainer or sleeve 803 until therearward pin 776 is located at the outermost part of the rearward drivecam slot 879. Upon movement of the actuator 769 from the rearward driveposition to the neutral position, the rearward pin 776 engages thediagonal edge 889 of the wing portion 883 of the rear: ward cam slot 879to cause the rearward retainer or sleeve 803 to be circumferentiallydisplaced relative to the driving shaft 719 in the counterclockwisedirection, as shown in FIG. 21, and so as to displace the rearward driverollers 765 from their driving engagement positions.

ln the embodiment shown in FIGS. through 21, the retainers or sleeves801 and 803 are movable angularly relative to one another and aremovable axially, together with the actuator 769, relative to the drivingshaft 719. In addition, the actuator 769 has common rotary movement withthe driving shaft 719 while relative angular movement between theseparate retainers or sleeves 801 and 803 and the actuator 769 ispermitted so as to engage and disengage the drive rollers 763 and 765from their positions of driving engagement.

The invention disclosed herein is also applicable to marine propulsiondevices including an upright drive shaft having mounted thereon a pairof vertically spaced bevel gears which are both driven by an upper bevelgear suitably mounted for rotation on an axis transverse to the driveshaft axis. In such case, the retainer and the associated rollers couldbe movable relative to the drive shaft between two or more positionsaffording forward drive, neutral, or rearward drive operation. Variousfeatures of the arrangements shown in FIGS. 1 through 14 could beemployed.

Various of the features of the invention are set forth in the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:

l. A marine propulsion device comprising a drive shaft housing, a driveshaft in said housing, a propeller shaft rotatably mounted in said driveshaft housing and drivingly connected to said drive shaft, a propellercarried by said propeller shaft, a power shaft rotatably supported bysaid device, a gear rotatably mounted in coaxial relation to and aroundsaid power shaft and drivingly connected to said drive shaft, means fordrivingly connecting said power shaft to said gear including a rollerhaving an axis extending parallel to the rotational axis of said powershaft and movable relative to a position of driving engagement betweensaid power shaft and said gear, and means carried by said device forselectively displacing said roller relative to said position andcomprising a roller retainer located between said power shaft and saidgear, an actuator located betweeh said power shaft and said gear, meanson said actuator and on said power shaft for affording axial movement ofsaid actuator relative to said power shaft and for preventing relativerotary movement between said actuator and said power shaft, means onsaid retainer and on said actuator for affording common axial movementthereof relative to said power shaft while affording relative rotarymovement between said retainer and said actuator, engageable means onsaid retainer and on said gear, operable in response to axial movementof said actuator relative to said power shaft in one direction, forrotating said retainer relative to said power shaft to locate saidroller in said position, and means on said power shaft and on saidretainer, operable in response to axial movement of said actuatorrelative to said power shaft in the other direction, for disengagingsaid retainer from rotary engagement with said gear and for rotatingsaid retainer so as to displace said roller from said position.

2. A marine propulsion device comprising a drive shaft housing, a driveshaft in said housing, a propeller shaft rotatably mounted in said driveshaft housing and drivingly connected to said drive shaft, a propellercarried by said propeller shaft, a power shaft rotatably sup ported bysaid device and adapted to be rotatated by a power source, first andsecond axially spaced gears rotatably mounted in co-axial relation toand around said power shaft and drivingly connected to said drive shaft,means for selectively drivingly connecting said power shaft said firstand second gears including first and second rollers spaced axially inaccordance with the spacing of said gears, said first and second rollershaving respective axes extending parallel to the rotational axis of saidpower shaft and being movable relative to respective positions ofdriving engagement between said power shaft and said first and secondgears, and means carried by said device for selectively displacing saidfirst and second rollers relative to said positions and comprisingrespective first and second roller retainers located respectivelybetween said first and second gears and said power shaft, an actuatorlocated between said power shaft and said first and second gears, meanson said actuator and on said power shaft for affording axial movement ofsaid actuator relative to said power shaft and preventing relativerotary movement between said actuator and said power shaft, means onsaid first and second retainers and on said actuator for affordingcommon axial movement thereof relative to said power shaft whileaffording independent relative rotary movement between each of saidfirst and second retainers and said actuator, respective and selectivelyengageable means on said first and second retainers and on said firstand second gears for selectively rotatin g said first and secondretainers reltative to said power shaft to selectively and respectivelylocate said first and second rollers in said positions, said engageablemeans being selectively and respectively operable in response to axialmovement of said actuator relative to said power shaft in respectivelyopposite directions, respective means on said first and second retainersand on said power shaft for selectively and respectively disengagingsaid first and second retainers from rotary engagment with said firstand second gears and for selectively and respectively rotating saidfirst and second retainers so as to respectively displace said first andsecond rollers from said positions, said retainer disengaging androtating means being selectively and respectively operable in responseto axial movement of said actuator relative to said power shaft in therespective directions opposite from the directions effective toselectively and respectively engage said first and second retainers withsaid first and second gears.

1. A marine propulsion device comprising a drive shaft haousing, a driveshaft in said housing, a propeller shaft rotatably mounted in said driveshaft housing and drivingly connected to said drive shaft, a propellercarried by said propeller shaft, a power shaft rotatably supported bysaid device, a gear rotatably mounted in co-axial relation to and aroundsaid power shaft and drivingly connected to said drive shaft, means fordrivingly connecting said power shaft to said gear including a rollerhaving an axis extending parallel to the rotational axis of said powershaft and movable relative to a position of driving engagement betweensaid power shaft and said gear, and means carried by said device forselectively displacing said roller relative to said position andcomprising a roller retainer located between said power shaft and saidgear, an actuator located between said power shaft and said gear, meanson said actuator and on said power shaft for affording axial movement ofsaid actuator relative to said power shaft and for preventing relativerotary movement between said actuator and said power shaft, means onsaid retainer and on said actuator for affording common axial movementthereof relative to said power shaft while affording relative rotarymovement between said retainer and said actuator, engageable means onsaid retainer and on said gear, operable in response to axial movementof said actuator relative to said power shaft in one direction, forrotating said retainer relative to said power shaft to locate saidroller in said position, and means on said power shaft and on saidretainer, operable in response to axial movement of said actuatorrelative to said power shaft in the other direction, for disengagingsaid retainer from rotary engagement with said gear and for rotatingsaid retainer so as to displace said roller from said position.
 2. Amarine propulsion device comprising a drive shaft housing, a drive shaftin said housing, a propeller shaft rotatably mounted in said drive shafthousing and drivingly connected to said drive shaft, a propeller carriedby said propeller shaft, a power shaft rotatably supported by saiddevice and adapted to be rotatated by a power source, first and secondaxially spaced gears rotatably mounted in co-axial relation to andaround said power shaft and drivingly connected to said drive shaft,means for selectively drivingly connecting said power shaft said firstand second gears including first and second rollers spaced axially inaccordance with the spacing of said gears, said first and second rollershaving respective axes extending parallel to the rotational axis of saidpower shaft and being movable relative to respective positions ofdriving engagement between said power shaft and said first and secondgears, and means carried by said device for selectively displacing saidfirst and second rollers relative to said positions and comprisingrespective first and second roller retainers located respectivelybetween said first and second gears and said power shaft, an actuatorlocated between said power shaft and said first and second gears, meanson said actuator and on said power shaft for affording axial movement ofsaid actuator relative to said power shaft and preventing relativerotarY movement between said actuator and said power shaft, means onsaid first and second retainers and on said actuator for affordingcommon axial movement thereof relative to said power shaft whileaffording independent relative rotary movement between each of saidfirst and second retainers and said actuator, respective and selectivelyengageable means on said first and second retainers and on said firstand second gears for selectively rotating said first and secondretainers reltative to said power shaft to selectively and respectivelylocate said first and second rollers in said positions, said engageablemeans being selectively and respectively operable in response to axialmovement of said actuator relative to said power shaft in respectivelyopposite directions, respective means on said first and second retainersand on said power shaft for selectively and respectively disengagingsaid first and second retainers from rotary engagment with said firstand second gears and for selectively and respectively rotating saidfirst and second retainers so as to respectively displace said first andsecond rollers from said positions, said retainer disengaging androtating means being selectively and respectively operable in responseto axial movement of said actuator relative to said power shaft in therespective directions opposite from the directions effective toselectively and respectively engage said first and second retainers withsaid first and second gears.